Translational Success and Pharmacoeconomic Lessons of Pandemic-Driven Drug Repurposing

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Development

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid identification of treatments, driving significant drug repurposing efforts.
• Existing medications were explored as potential therapies for the novel coronavirus disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the successes and failures of COVID-19 drug repurposing.
• To assess the pharmacoeconomic implications in high-income countries.
• To identify lessons for future pandemic preparedness and global treatment equity.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases from 2020 to 2025.
• Studies and reports on repurposed COVID-19 therapies and their economic outcomes were identified.

Main Results:

• Drug repurposing accelerated treatment delivery but yielded mixed efficacy; dexamethasone was a key success, while many other drugs showed limited benefit.
• Pharmacoeconomic outcomes varied, with cost-effective breakthroughs alongside significant spending on unproven interventions.
• Agile translational research, including adaptive trials, was crucial for distinguishing effective treatments.

Conclusions:

• Pandemic drug repurposing offers a blueprint for balancing urgency, scientific rigor, economic prudence, and equity.
• Timely evidence generation and resource allocation are vital for effective pandemic response.
• Addressing global disparities in access to effective treatments remains a critical challenge.